Bocking
Ok folks, here's the skinny on powerbocking. (Videos and Photos all the way at the bottom after the info.)
I'm an affiliate with [DC Power Stilts]. If you're getting a set of stilts from them, put in the code "AnimeNEXT" to get $15 off. It's not much versus the price tag, but every bit helps.
There's some decent info on that site. The owner likes to push [PowerStrider Olympic] model, but I don't recommend it. It's an attempt by a chinese company to improve the design, but it's a work-in-progress. The fulcrum being 2 inches below the footplate rather than right under it makes it feel less natural.
Other experienced people I trust share my opinion that [Poweriser Advanced] is better. They will run you $400. That's the minimum in terms of value and durability that I would suggest. You can also order these directly from the [powerisers US site], but I've had a few bad experiences with that site. They've shipped me wrong parts and I could never get ahold of their customer service. I heard that the US branch changed management recently and might be better now, but if the prices are the same I'd give the business to DC Power Stilts. The owner is very friendly and treats his customers well. Also he organizes the yearly [Capital Bocking USA] event, which is a gathering/competition and GREAT fun in the summer by Washington DC. Here's [a video] from the 2010 gathering (my first time) featuring me falling on my ass at the end of a race.
There are plenty of chinese brands that are cheaper and lower quality. Those are fine if you're just looking to user them for costuming, but if you're going to really hit it like the awesome sport it is... get the good stuff that won't break and hurt you.
The next step above Poweriser, and the absolute best thing short of $2,000 professional models (PowerSkip & Velocity Stilts) are [7Leagues], which run about $100 more than powerisers. They're also not sold by US distributors last I checked and need to be ordered from europe. Aside from that extra shipping cost, it seems the primary UK distributor of 7Leagues doesn't have any of the adult models in stock right now and the main manufacturer's own english-speaking siteseems to have been haXXor'd recently. If you can read german or austrian, you can navigate the other 7leagues sites and actually order some.
[StiltWerks], the company responsible for Velocity Stilts (mentioned above), are working on a new model. I have heard from some sources that the new one is meant to be a "value" product to compete with poweriser and the like. I have heard from other sources that they are trying to make a full carbon-fibre frame, which would be the lightest stilt on the market but probably hella expensive. If they opt for the "value" route, there's a good chance their product would pwn the current offerings from everyone else. I wouldn't hold my breath since there's no telling when they'll actual release anything.
There is a ton of info about bocks at [PoweriserPages]. There are important tips and tricks there for maintaining your gear in good condition, what kinds of safety gear to use, and how to save a little money over the long run. The most popular mod is to cut a bike tire and secure it with hose clamps over the stilts hoof. This gives better tracking on some surfaces and the old bike tires are much cheaper to replace than the actual poweriser hooves.
Most important information I saw there was a comparison of springs from various companies. The poweriser springs are stiffer than some of the others. They have worse energy return/efficiency, but still much better than chinese knock-offs. Despite that, the frame is sturdy and it's a tried-and-true brand. Once you get comfortable with them, I would look into keeping the frame and replacing just the springs with 7League or PowerSkip.
As an enthusiast of the sport, I welcome all questions. I know a good deal about it even if I am only a novice. I use them as part of cosplay for various anime conventions in the north-east area, and am always willing to give lessons and demonstrations at those events.
Here's some videos:
This guy is an experienced bocker [having a bit] of fun on some skate ramps.
This is a [promo video] from the official german poweriser show team.
[A bit of basics] (aside from the flips, that is).
Here are some [serious fukken pros]!
Powerbocks are great for cosplay and costumes in general! My favorite one to do so far is Laplace no Ma from Rozen Maiden. I keep upgrading the costume every time. So far I'm on my 2nd major revision. Here's some photos taken by various convention attendees and staff (click for bigger versions):
1st Version:
2nd Version:
